The annual Obatala Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State, was marred by violence as six Isese traditional worshippers sustained injuries in an attack allegedly carried out by suspected Muslim extremists. The incident occurred on January 20, 2025, as worshippers observed the revered festival dedicated to the deity Obatala.
According to Oba Alamon Obatala, a prominent leader of the Isese traditional faith, the attack happened as the procession passed through the Idio Market and More Area, despite prior warnings to the public to avoid the designated route. For four consecutive days, announcements were made via radio urging residents to respect the sacred procession and its associated rules.
Eyewitness accounts and media footage reveal harrowing scenes, including a severely injured woman with a bloodied head, allegedly stoned by attackers. The violent altercation left six individuals wounded, sparking outrage among Isese adherents and calls for justice.
Oba Alamon Obatala highlighted that this was not the first time the festival had been disrupted. He traced the tension back to 2022, when similar threats and attacks were allegedly carried out by Islamic extremists in the region. He attributed the animosity to a deep-seated religious conflict stemming from strict traditional taboos surrounding the festival.
Explaining the roots of the discord, the Oba stated:
“You know the national museum takes custody of all these Orisa (deities) because of concerns about theft. Whenever we want to hold our festival, we write to the museum to release the Orisa, which we then bring to the Obatala temple.
“There is a divine rule prohibiting Ilare indigenous people and pregnant women from seeing the Orisa during the festival. For this reason, we notify the public to stay away from the procession route during the festival.”
He further explained that previous attacks were linked to instances where members of the Muslim community disregarded these traditional prohibitions, leading to altercations.
The latest attack has reignited debates on religious tolerance and respect for cultural traditions in Nigeria. Leaders of the Isese community have condemned the violence and called on security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“This is not just an attack on our people; it is an attack on our heritage, our beliefs, and our rights,” Oba Alamon stated. “We demand that the authorities step in to ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their religious or cultural affiliations.”
The incident underscores the fragile balance between religious and cultural groups in Ile-Ife, a town renowned for its rich history and traditions. While the Obatala Festival remains a cornerstone of Isese worship, the recurring conflicts point to the need for dialogue and mutual respect among the town’s diverse communities.
As investigations continue, the Isese community awaits assurances of safety during future festivals, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage without fear of violence or intimidation.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the need for unity, tolerance, and understanding in a nation as diverse as Nigeria. Religious and cultural leaders must work together to foster peace and ensure that such incidents do not repeat themselves, allowing citizens to practice their faith and traditions freely and without fear.
PIONEER NEWS 